After Olympic glory, Manu Bhaker chases the one medal missing from her Asian Games collection

PUNE: There is something about Manu Bhaker. Apart from being a two-time Olympic medalist, former world number one and a World Championship medalist, there is something else that makes Manu what she is today – a fierce competitor, even if she is not the top scorer on the team.Although the 24-year-old has come a long way and still has a bit to prove to her doubters, there is one thing Manu would like to tick off – an individual medal at the Asian Games.In her participation in the last two editions, 2018 and 2023, Manu finished fifth and sixth. While participating in two events at Jakarta 2018, Manu only shot the 25m pistol in Hangzhou.The Haryana girl returned to shooting at two events in Aichi-Nagoya. As she has been shooting for years, it is hard to say which is her favorite, the 25m pistol or the 10m air pistol. Maybe it’s evolution in a way.Her Serbian coach Jelena Arunovic feels that Manu’s presence on the court is not defined only by her achievements.“I think athletes are defined not only by achievements but also by longevity. If someone competes at the highest level for almost 10 years, regularly reaches the finals and stands on international podiums, I don’t think there is a better resume than this,” the gold Olympic coach told TOI.After six months in India and hours spent at the range with a shooter, Jelena has, one might say, deep insight into what is the unique Manu psyche.The Indian shooter has gone through some tough times personally. She lost her grandmother last week after her coach Jaspal Rana died suddenly in June.However, Arunovic feels that Manu is a fighter and nothing stops her from working hard.“Technically, she has very strong foundations and a huge amount of experience. She is a fighter mentally and in character. She wants to improve, she asks questions, she thinks about what she is doing and she is willing to work, even if something is difficult or uncomfortable,” said the coach.Arunovic feels that not only in India, Manu and other Indian shooters enjoy great respect abroad.“There is a general perception in shooting that Chinese and Indian athletes train more than anyone else. I have now worked in both countries and I can say that in my experience the Indians work harder than the Chinese. Manu is definitely part of that culture of hard work,” the coach said.“Manu is respected not only for her results but also for the level she has maintained over the years. I think people in India sometimes underestimate the respect Indian shooters have abroad. At international competitions, everyone knows who she is and what she is capable of.”Arunovic, who guided her sister Zoran to gold at Paris 2024, feels that Manu does not lack motivation and her drive to keep her on top is what sets her apart.“To me, it’s the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation depends on applause, recognition, support or rewards. Intrinsic motivation does not. When extrinsic motivation disappears, everything can stop, but an athlete who really wants to be the best will not adjust to whether people are applauding, supporting or doubting him.”“Athletes with strong internal motivation are usually their own biggest critics. They are always looking for what can be better, what can be improved and what can be done more. Manu is a very good example of that, but I see the same quality in the entire Indian team,” she explained.Apart from the two individual events, Manu will also compete for team medals with Suruchi Phogat and Esha Singh in the 10m air pistol and Rahi Sarnobat and Esha in the 25m events.